Aeronautics and astronautics – Missile stabilization or trajectory control – Remote control
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-21
2001-01-23
Gregory, Bernarr E. (Department: 3662)
Aeronautics and astronautics
Missile stabilization or trajectory control
Remote control
C244S003110, C244S158700, C244S172200, C701S002000, C701S003000, C342S052000, C342S058000, C342S060000, C342S062000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06176451
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates generally to space lift ranges, and more particularly, to a space lift system comprising an unmanned airborne vehicle that is used to implement a mobile space lift range.
Conventional space lift ranges for use in support of lifting payloads into space utilizing rockets and similar vehicles have been either ground based or space based. Ground-based space lift ranges are restrictive in that only specific predefined range layouts can be used due to range limitations that are required to exist between the ground control station and the space lift vehicle. Space-based space lift ranges are expensive since satellite links are required to communicate with the space lift vehicle. Recently deployed launch vehicles and concepts are more mobile than traditional systems. The Russians are offering Low Earth Orbit (LEO) services from Nuclear Submarines and the U.S. Navy is launching from sea-borne platforms. Pegasus and VentureStar can be launched from practically anywhere. Conversely, range systems have remained fixed requiring mobile launchers to travel to the range to acquire range services.
Heretofore, there have been no mobile space lift ranges for use in support of lifting payloads into space. Furthermore, no mobile space lift range has heretofore been developed that uses an unmanned airborne vehicle as a means to communicate with a space lift vehicle.
It would therefore be desirable to have a mobile space lift range that uses an unmanned airborne vehicle that provides flexibility when compared to conventional space lift ranges.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides for an architectural approach for a mobile space lift range system that utilizes a high attitude, long endurance, unmanned airborne vehicle to provide a mobile space lift range. The present system extends traditional the use of unmanned airborne vehicle technology to provide a flexible, mobile range to support launch-anywhere space lift scenarios.
The unmanned airborne vehicle is a high attitude, long endurance airborne platform that provides a fully reusable aeronautical vehicle designed to serve as a global stratospheric low-cost airborne mission payload platform. The unmanned airborne vehicle or airborne payload platform is designed for operational use at altitudes between about 15 and 30 kilometers. The unmanned airborne vehicle is also designed to provide airborne operation for days, weeks, or longer, depending upon operational requirements.
More particularly, the mobile lift range system comprises a ground control station and an unmanned airborne vehicle that is used to relay data to and from a space lift vehicle such as a rocket, for example. The unmanned airborne vehicle in accordance with the present invention includes a variety of systems including one or more sensor systems, a radar system, a telemetry and command system, and a user test system.
The use of an unmanned airborne vehicle to implement the present mobile space lift range system has several advantages as a platform for space lift range applications. These advantages include long on-station endurance, very high altitude operation capability, the unmanned airborne vehicle may be deployed across vast geographic expanses, the unmanned airborne vehicle is responsive to real-time redirection and the solution is more cost effective than either traditional ground-based ranges or space-based ranges. These advantages allow the range to be virtual rather than fixed, resulting in maximum flexibility.
The unmanned airborne vehicle can support both orbital and sub-orbital missions. In addition, the unmanned airborne vehicles has a simple design with no egress systems, minimum avionics, fundamental or no hydraulics, and is lightweight, resulting in reduced airframe load and stress. Engines for the unmanned airborne vehicle are designed for lower loads and can easily be repaired or simply replaced at preset intervals. These unique capabilities are realized with the added advantage of programmable autonomous operation, eliminating the cost of a pilot and crew.
Unmanned airborne vehicles are cost efficient compared to both satellite (space-based) systems and ground-based systems. Also, the unmanned airborne vehicles are reusable with regular payload servicing and may be readily enhanced as technology improves. The unmanned airborne vehicle operates at a fraction of the orbital distance of low earth orbiting satellites, and as mentioned above, offers advantages that implement flexible and cost effective space lift range applications. The unique combination of altitude, endurance and selective payload enables a variety of interesting missions to be implemented that are not achievable using conventional space-based and ground-based systems.
Unmanned airborne vehicles employed in the present system are operationally feasible and economical, and fill a distinct niche as a low cost alternative technology for use in lieu of small satellite low earth orbit (LEO) space systems and manned aeronautical or terrestrial systems. Furthermore, the present system may also be used in areas requiring weather sensors, area surveillance, telemetry relay, and telecommunications.
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Float Kenneth W.
Gregory Bernarr E.
Lockheed Martin Corporation
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